Holly MatkinStuttgart, AR – A Stuttgart police officer was murdered and an Arkansas State Police (ASP) officer was wounded while attempting to apprehend an armed suspect late Wednesday night, according to investigators.
The ASP said officers with the Stuttgart Police Department (SPD) were in a motor vehicle pursuit with a suspect when the suspect suddenly bailed out of the vehicle and took of running on foot, KATV reported.
Two SPD officers chased after the fleeing suspect just before an exchange of gunfire occurred, the ASP said.
One of the officers was fatally struck by gunfire during the shootout, KATV reported.
The ASP said the second SPD officer was shot in the ballistic vest, but the second officer did not suffer any substantial injuries, according to KLRT.
Police said the suspect subsequently entered a residence and took a woman hostage.
The ASP responded to the scene and were able to rescue the hostage after another exchange of gunfire with the armed suspect, KATV reported.
An ASP officer was struck by gunfire during the second shootout and was subsequently rushed to a local hospital.
The wounded officer’s injuries are said to be non-life threatening, according to KTHV.
Investigators said the suspect was fatally shot during the confrontation, KATV reported.
The suspect’s identity has not been released.
The ASP did not release the name of the slain SPD officer.
Arkansas State Police tells me a Stuttgart police officer was shot and killed, a state trooper was wounded, and a suspect was shot and killed south of Stuttgart this morning after a chase that ended in a hostage situation. The hostage is OK. #ARnews
— Greg Yarbrough (@GregYarbrough) December 15, 2022
Stuttgart officer involved shooting update via ASP: In total 3 officers were shot. 1 is a State Trooper and two others Stuttgart Police. One has died..the two others we are told will be ok. The suspect was shot and killed by ASP after a chase turned into a hostage situation. pic.twitter.com/FJW7uZzTKJ
— Hilary Hunt (@Hilary_TV) December 15, 2022
#BREAKING: Arkansas State Police are investigating after a Stuttgart Police officer was killed in an overnight shooting and one other was injured. We're working to get more info.
— Ashlei King (@AshleiKing) December 15, 2022
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